Blog Archives - Page 14 of 36 - The New York Foundling

United Airlines NYC Half 2022 – Meet Team Foundling!

For the first time, The Foundling has a team of runners participating in the United Airlines NYC Half. On Sunday, March 20, Team Foundling will hit the streets for a 13.1-mile course through Brooklyn and Manhattan.

We have one spot remaining on Team Foundling! If you’re interested in running in the 2022 NYC Half, please reach out to Laura Wright at Laura.Wright@nyfoundling.org today!

Read about each of our team members below, and learn how you can support them and The Foundling:

Daniela Hess

Daniela has enjoyed running since her high school days, when she ran for her school’s cross country and track teams. She believes that running is a great way to see New York City, with her favorite place to run being Astoria Park. Daniela previously ran the NYC Half in 2019, supporting a different charity partner – JDRF. This time, she is excited to return to the course and raise funds for The Foundling!

Learn more and support Daniela!

Jeffrey Tuchman

Jeffrey’s been an avid runner for 15 years, and has completed two marathons and four half marathons. He is eager to run for The Foundling, as he cares about children and supports investing in their present and future. For the 2022 United Airlines NYC Half, his goal is to finish in under 2:30, injury free.

Learn more and support Jeffrey!

Timothy Williams

Timothy, who ran the NYC Marathon in the past, comes to Team Foundling through a deep understanding and passion for our mission. He is a foster parent himself, motivated to create a safe, loving environment and life for children who are in need of a supportive home. Timothy is excited to combine his interest in running with his dedication to helping our Foundling community.

Learn more and support Timothy!

Brian & Stephanie
Cummins

Brian and Stephanie have run in numerous events together, including the Athens Marathon. The United Airlines NYC Half, however, will be Stephanie’s first race in three years, and her first one since having two children! She and Brian are excited to run with Team Foundling, with which Stephanie shares a professional connection through her role as Director of Philanthropy at Freedom Mortgage. Stephanie has helped coordinate with The Foundling on corporate volunteerism and donations.

Brian also shares a connection to The Foundling, as he is moved by the organization’s work with children and families. “As a father of two, I do my best to provide every opportunity I can to ensure they have the best upbringing and education, he says. “I’d love to give back and help kids who may not otherwise have those opportunities.”

Learn more and support Brian!

Learn more and support Stephanie!

Lauren Mitchell

Lauren has been running for 20 years, and has run numerous races through New York Road Runners. She loves running because it clears her mind. Her favorite routes take her across New York City’s bridges, and she keeps her energy up by running to Beyonce’s music. For this year’s half marathon, she hopes to set a new personal best for herself.

Learn more and support Lauren!

Erin Lippman

Erin started running in her early twenties and found it great for mental health and stress relief from the daily grind of living in NYC. Muhammad Ali’s words: “service to others is the rent we pay for our room here on earth” have always resonated with her. Being able to run on behalf of different causes and philanthropic organizations has allowed her the gift of giving back to others while doing something that she loves. She’s eager to run on behalf of The Foundling because she can combine her passion for running with her commitment to helping children and families in need. As a new member of The Foundling’s Junior Board, she’s looking forward to the beginning the marathon of working together to benefit our communities.

Learn more and support Erin!

Holly Smeltzer

Holly, who has run half marathons in the past, is committed to finding time to exercise and promote self-care. She’s proud to run the United Airlines NYC Half with Team Foundling – this is her first time running with a charity partner, and she’s excited to work toward her fitness goals while giving back to the community. Holly’s ties to The Foundling run deep – not only does she work as The Foundling’s Associate Vice President of Supportive Housing, but she is a foster parent as well! “I’ve always believed in the incredible work being done at The Foundling, even before I was an employee here,” she says. “Now that I am an employee, I believe in the mission and values even more!”

Learn more and support Holly!

Victor (Vic) Mitchell

As an award-winning entrepreneur, Vic has founded, acquired, and turned around a number of diverse businesses over the past 35 years. He is also committed to giving back – Vic’s been involved with various charities and philanthropic efforts around food insecurity, criminal justice, affordable healthcare, and freeing the wrongly convicted. Running for The Foundling, he’s excited to complete the United Airlines NYC Half while supporting the children, adults, and families in our community.

February 18, 2022/by Elefant Design

AM New York: School-based Mental Health Services Serve as Integral Support for New York City Students

Reïna Batrony, vice president of The New York Foundling’s services for community and school-based programs, spoke with AM New York on the importance of mental health care is for students and young children – especially with the ongoing pandemic.

“Whether it is preventative services at some of our school-based mental health services or some of our specialized evidence based models…with the pandemic we have had to shift pretty quickly and because of our technology and innovative approach, we were already ready and had the capacity to support with telehealth,” Batrony says. In the article, she discusses the wide range of services provided by The Foundling, and their impact on the community.

Read more at AM New York

February 8, 2022/by Carmen Rojas

Blog, Child Welfare

Youth on the Rise: Providing Life-Changing Mentorship and Support

Mentors Taina and Thania have led Youth on the Rise participants on excursions to mini-golf, bowling, restaurants, and more – facilitating powerful bonding experiences.

The Foundling’s Youth on the Rise program allows young people in foster care to create transformational relationships with caring mentors – and create strong bonds that can last through high school, college, and beyond.

The program is novel in a few key ways: young people not only meet regularly with their mentor one-on-one for support and guidance, but have the opportunity to collectively decide upon and participate in enriching group excursions throughout the city.

Adolescents and young adults in care often need support, guidance, and community. The program is tailored to the unique needs of this population, and provides encouragement and resources so these young people can achieve academic, vocational, and personal goals – while also immersing them in new experiences and building a strong peer community.

January is National Mentoring Month – we’re excited to take the opportunity to highlight this amazing program, and showcase the dedicated staff and participants that make Youth on the Rise possible.

What does mentoring mean to them? Hear in their own words:

“Mentoring means being able to build a relationship with youth and being able to provide them with resources they might not usually have access to. We specifically assist youth transition into young adults through advocacy and helping them learn to advocate for themselves.”
– Tiana, Mentor

“For me, being a mentor means being a positive role model who helps youth both see and achieve their full potential. It means that regardless of what is going on in the world around us, I am a safe space that will listen without judging, educate without belittling, and advise without parenting. In my role, I’ve had the opportunity to advocate for specialized services for my youth, ensure that students graduated on time/were promoted to the next grade, and offer support throughout the pandemic. I help youth navigate through adulthood and growing pains, while providing them with the cheat codes to success.”
– Ayana, Mentor

“Being a mentor means being able to give to the youth of today what I received when I was their age. For me, it’s all about the ability to help guide them, instill wisdom, be understanding, and provide consistency and acceptance. Every day, I assist in shaping the youth of today, one person at a time. I allow them to make their own decisions based on what’s best for them and advocating for them where needed. I once had a mentor during my time in high school and they guided me through so many rough patches. Without them, I would have gone into social services or would have found the career I have. I owe everything to my mentor for believing in me and providing me with wisdom.”
– Jose, Mentor

“A mentor to me is an individual who provides guidance and support in developing the mentee’s goals and skills. However, being a mentor in foster care, you are that and much more. Since you are able to connect with the youth consistently, it helps promote a positive role model in their life. Many of our youth have not experienced a consistent adult in their life, so for our youth we are more than a professional development resource point. We are their safe space that helps them strengthen their voice and be heard.”
-Thalia, Mentor

“As a mentor, I have been able to embrace our youth on a different level that has taught me more about myself. We all need support from time to time and our kids are no different. Being their mentor has taught me to be patient and loving.”
– Khristian, Mentor

“Having a mentor means that there will always be someone there to help you with your work, support you, and give you fun activities.”
– Michael, Participant

Nehemiah

“Having a mentor means having someone who guides me, gives me advice, and helps me with my goals and future.”
-Nehemiah, Participant

Cassandra and Marquise

“Having Khristian as a mentor is inspiring and beneficial because Khristian is another support system. [With Youth on the Rise], I’ve went to American Dream Mall, bowling, cooking class, and to Prospect Park. When we were on these trips, Khristian took time to get to know me more and check on me to see how my week had been.”
– Marquise, Participant

“Khristian has been a great inspiration for Marquise. Khristian is kind, easy to talk to, and a young man I admire. I wish we had more young men like him (he reminds me of my son).”
– Cassandra, Foster Parent

January 26, 2022/by Elefant Design

Blog, Partnerships

Runners Wanted: Join Team Foundling for the United Airlines NYC Half!

Run the United Airlines NYC Half with Team Foundling!

After a 2 year hiatus, the United Airlines NYC Half is back on March 20, 2022! This half marathon, which has historically featured nearly 25,000 runners, will send athletes along a 13.1-mile course through Brooklyn and Manhattan.

In partnership with New York Road Runners, we are excited to sponsor a team of ten runners for the event. While we have been a charity partner for the TCS New York City Marathon for the past five years, we are thrilled to be participating in the United Airlines NYC Half for the first time.

Click here to learn more and reserve your spot!

January 4, 2022/by Elefant Design

Blog, Health and Behavioral Health

How Sitan and her Daughter Found Stability and Success

For Sitan, a 19-year-old in foster care, new motherhood – at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic – seemed like an insurmountable challenge. But The Foundling was there to help.

Sitan knew how to cope with challenges – but after giving birth to her daughter in April 2020, the additional stress of managing life as a new parent seemed like too much to bear. Her foster care team at The Foundling realized she needed additional support, and so they connected Sitan with a trained therapist, Elisabeth, from our Mental Health Services department.

Through regular sessions and continual communication, Elisabeth became a trusted source of guidance. Sitan learned breathing exercises and coping mechanisms to better manage her stress levels and outlook.

Working together with her therapist, Sitan found the mental space to tackle her challenges one day at a time and make steps in her life toward independence. With the support of The Foundling, she secured daycare for her daughter, rented her own apartment, and found a full-time job.

Thanks to supporters like you, Sitan is optimistic for the future. She is happy, healthy, and feels equipped to care for her young child. “The Foundling’s helped me to become a better me – and a better mother to my daughter,” Sitan says.

Watch Sitan discuss her journey in our new Health & Behavioral Health video:

Every day at The Foundling, we provide the resources for children, adults, and families to transform their own lives. However, this is only possible because of the generosity of our community. Your donation can help mothers like Sitan find the strength and stability to provide for their families, and allow the 30,000 children, adults, and families we serve each year to move forward in their lives.

Donate today – every dollar can help our neighbors move forward as they build stability and independence. If you make your gift before midnight on December 31, it will be matched by an anonymous member of the Foundling community – meaning your gift will go twice as far to support the 30,000 children, adults, and families we serve each year.

December 28, 2021/by Elefant Design

Blog, Partnerships

Bringing Cheer this Holiday Season

This year – with the generous support of our corporate partners, community supporters, and donors – The Foundling was able to bring holiday cheer to the children, adults, and families in our programs!

While we usually host a number of holiday celebrations and events annually, the pandemic placed most of our festivities on hold last year. Earlier this month, vaccinations and other developments allowed us to gather in-person once again, albeit on a limited scale and with strict safety precautions. After the past year and a half, these recent events felt particularly special.

Here’s how the Foundling community came together to celebrate the season this year:

Manhattan Lobby Decorating with Macy’s

Our annual tradition continued this year as our partners at Macy’s decked the halls of our Manhattan headquarters to bring holiday spirit to our staff and participants!

The Foundling’s Holiday Gift Drive

The Junior Board volunteered their time to sort gifts for distribution to the people in our programs.

We hosted a corporate volunteer event for the staff at Peoplehood, where they created cards for our program participants.

Cub Scout Pack 422 in Manhattan hosted a holiday drive for The Foundling, collecting over $1100 in gift cards and over 200 toys.

Each December, The Foundling collects and distributes over 5,000 gifts to ensure that each child, adult, and family in our programs has a happy holiday season! This massive undertaking is only possible because of our generous donors, corporate partners, and volunteers.

TBTA Holiday Gift Giveaway

For over 25 years, the Emerald Society of the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority (TBTA) collects gifts for the young people in The Foundling’s programs (over 1,000 each year!), and hosts a special event featuring Santa Claus and more. In early December, they delivered a portion of the toys to our Manhattan headquarters, where kindergarten students at Haven Academy were invited to meet Santa and receive a gift.

Happy holidays from all of us at The Foundling!

December 22, 2021/by Elefant Design

Blog, Education

Through our Youth on the Rise Program, Marquise Found the Support to Thrive

When Marquise joined our Youth on the Rise program, he found a new outlook on life.

Marquise, a high school student living in Brooklyn, was falling behind in his high school courses, had difficulty setting goals, and was often distrustful and quiet around others.

Young people in foster care often face obstacles – but our Youth on the Rise program is expressly designed to break down these barriers. Each participant is assigned to a mentor for one-on-one guidance, and is provided with the holistic support necessary to successfully make progress for the future.

When Marquise was paired with Khristian, the two formed a close bond. Not only did Khristian provide academic help, but he also was a source for mentorship and guidance. They kept in contact regularly through text – ensuring that there was always an open line of communication – as Marquise began to work on his academic, social, and personal goals.

This partnership with The Foundling – and supporters like you – has made a world of difference. “He’s done a complete 180,” says his foster mother. Marquise is now on track to graduate, has more confidence in himself, and is looking forward to college.

This is what The Foundling’s programs do each day – we provide children, adults, and families with the support to pursue their aspirations and find success. And we can only do this through the generosity of our community. Your donation can help young people in foster care like Marquise succeed academically, and provide stability, strength, and hope to the 30,000 children, adults, and families we serve each year.

Make a donation this holiday season – every dollar can give our neighbors across New York and Puerto Rico the support to transform their lives.

December 16, 2021/by Elefant Design

Blog, Developmental Disabilities

How Lowell Found Independence through our Employment Services Program

For years, Lowell dreamed of having a job. The Foundling was there every step of the way as he made this dream a reality.

Lowell, who lives in one of our Bronx residences for people with developmental disabilities, knew he wanted to work. However, people with disabilities have some of the lowest employment rates in the country, and it was difficult for him to achieve this goal. Years passed without any progress – until he enrolled in The Foundling’s Employment Services in 2018. The program was exactly what he was looking for.

Matched with a supportive coach, he began to learn the basics of being in the workforce. He embarked on dedicated skills training, and received expert guidance as he identified jobs that fit with his interests and aptitudes. Through several volunteer positions in the community, he learned how to follow directions and conduct himself in the workplace. While some skills took some time to master, and the COVID-19 pandemic posed further disruptions, Lowell continued to have hope. He never gave up on his goal – and neither did his Foundling job coach. This summer, those efforts paid off as he accepted his first job as a team member with Shake Shack, working at a location in the Bronx!

Now, he starts his days with purpose, and enjoys doing meaningful paid work in the community. Thanks to supporters like you, Lowell has a bright future ahead.

This is what our programs do each day: provide children, adults, and families with the guidance and resources to transform their lives. And with the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic creating further obstacles for our neighbors to obtain employment and self-sufficiency, these vital programs are needed more than ever.

As a nonprofit organization, we can only do this important work with the support of our donors. Your gift can help adults like Lowell find independence, and provide stability, strength, and hope to the 30,000 children, adults, and families we serve each year. All donations are tax-deductible and will directly benefit our shared community.

Donate today – every dollar gives our neighbors the support to move forward as they pursue their dreams.

December 8, 2021/by Elefant Design

Blog, Child Welfare

This Giving Tuesday, Your Support Matters

When Nina opened her home as a foster parent to two siblings, she committed to making them feel safe, secure, and loved. The Foundling provided guidance, intensive therapy services, and more to support her and the children as they healed from past trauma and adjusted to a new environment.

Nina, Grace, and Logan are now a thriving family – and with adoption paperwork finalized last year, they will have each other for a lifetime. “They’re biological siblings, and it’s amazing that they get to be together – I think they feel blessed, and I also feel blessed,” says Nina.

But they couldn’t have reached this point without supporters like you. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on the generosity of our community to fund our vital services. We provide tools, resources, and support to 30,000 children, adults, and families across New York City and Puerto Rico – and with the events of the past year, this support is more crucial than ever as we work to move forward.

This is what supporters like you make possible – ensuring that children, adults, and families across New York City and Puerto Rico have the safety, support, and resources to succeed. We help our community overcome challenges – from new foster parents opening their homes to adults with developmental disabilities seeking employment – and your help is what allows us to guide these neighbors along their paths to success.

Today is Giving Tuesday – a global day of giving to charitable causes. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on the generosity of our community to make our vital programs possible. And with the events of the past year, this support is more crucial than ever as our neighbors work to recover and move beyond the pandemic. Donations are tax-deductible, and every dollar can provide crucial support to a family in need. Together, we can partner to make a difference.

Make a donation today and give children, adults, and families across New York and Puerto Rico the gift of opportunity:

$1,000 can fund 4 months of therapy for a family in need

$500 can underwrite a day-long group outing in the community for adults with developmental disabilities

$100 can provide holiday gifts for 10 children attending Haven Academy

Interested in other ways to support The Foundling this holiday season?

Join our Holiday Gift Drive: Help us bring joy to families this holiday season! Purchase a gift from our Amazon wish list, or click here to download our flyer which contains information about other ways to donate items.
Give back on AmazonSmile: Visit AmazonSmile and choose The New York Foundling as your AmazonSmile charity. The Foundling will receive a portion of every dollar you spend – a simple way to give back as you shop online, at no cost to you!
Start a Fundraiser: If you’re on Facebook, you and your network can easily support The Foundling! Visit our Facebook page and start a fundraiser to support the children, adults, and families in our programs.
Get Involved: Browse volunteer opportunities and ways to give back here. Or deepen your Foundling connection by signing up for our mailing list, joining our Junior Board, or exploring and sharing your Foundling roots.
Make a Legacy Gift: Include The Foundling in your estate plans, ensuring that our work continues for generations to come. Learn more here.

November 30, 2021/by Elefant Design

Child Welfare, Developmental Disabilities, Media Coverage

BronxNet: Bill Baccaglini on The Bronx Social Justice and Anti-Violence Forums

On local television channel BronxNet’s Bronx Social Justice and Anti-Violence Forums, our CEO and President Bill Baccaglini sat down with host Daren Jaime to share the current state of The Foundling’s developmental disabilities, child welfare, education, and other programs. Additionally, Bill discusses the changes that the new year – with leadership changes both at The Foundling and the city’s mayoral administration- may bring.

Watch the interview below:

Read more on BronxNet

November 18, 2021/by Elefant Design